Meeting at the National Eisteddfod in Meifod last week (Wednesday 5th August), alongside healthcare professionals and other local representatives, Russell George, AM for Montgomeryshire, took the opportunity to discuss a range of health related issues including the Minister’s position on the major reforms which are taking place within Shropshire’s NHS.
Mr George had also invited others local politicians and health campaigners to join him.
Following the meeting, Mr George said:
"I was pleased that the Minister was able to take time out of his busy Eisteddfod schedule to meet with me, local GPs and other health campaigners to discuss healthcare issues in Montgomeryshire.
"When I speak to people on the doorstep, health is the number one priority. With the NHS in Shropshire facing fundamental reform, there is concern that the potential restructuring of health services will have a detrimental impact on the people of Mid Wales.
"I made it clear that it is essential for the Welsh Government to make their view known on the future of emergency and urgent care in Shropshire and that it would be unacceptable for people in the east of Montgomeryshire to be pressurised into travelling to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth to access healthcare services.
"The meeting was very productive and I came away with the feeling that the Minister understands the depth of feeling in Mid Wales on this important issue and, as a result, will urge Powys Teaching Local Health Board to use its influence to ensure that the best interests of Montgomeryshire are served."
Cllr. Joy Jones, who attended the meeting alongside Mr George added:
"I felt that it was an extremely successful meeting with the Minister who was very willing to listen and hear the views from Newtown.
"I was very pleased that he confirmed that people from Newtown will continue to access healthcare services from Shropshire.
"He also agreed to support the people of Montgomeryshire in our battle to keep A&E in Shrewsbury and listened to concerns about Newtown’s minor injury unit not being available when the doctor’s surgery is closed.
"All in all, he was very willing to listen and take time to understand the health issues in Montgomeryshire."
Steve Kaye, a Welshpool Town Councillor, who was also invited to attend the meeting said:
"I was pleased to be able to present and discuss the results of Welshpool Town Council’s health survey which overwhelmingly supported the retention of A&E services in Shrewsbury.
"Residents in Welshpool are still worried about Montgomeryshire receiving a second class service in terms of healthcare provision compared with their English counterparts and it was encouraging to receive assurances directly from the Minister that residents in Wales will be treated on a level playing field."